Latest Litigation Group Publications

Class Actions in the Supreme Court: Arguing Shady Grove v. Allstate
In November 2009, the Litigation Group's Scott Nelson presented oral argument in the Supreme Court in Shady Grove Orthopedic Associates v. Allstate Insurance Company. The Court ruled in our favor on March 31, 2010. In this article, Scott provides his reflections on preparing for and presenting the argument.
(7/20/2010)Complete Publication

Getting Your Foot in the Door: The Petition for Certiorari
This article by Scott Nelson is a nuts-and-bolts introduction to filing new cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and provides guidance on what the Court looks for in petitions as well as pitfalls to avoid.
(4/5/2010)Complete Publication>>

How to File a FOIA Request: A Guide
This Public Citizen Litigation Group brochure provides a general description of the federal Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") and specific guidelines on how to use it effectively.
(11/01/2005)Complete Publication>>

Courting Change: The Story of the Public Citizen Litigation Group
by Barbara Hinkson Craig, Published by Public Citizen Press
(06/28/2004)Complete Publication>>

Public Citizen, Inc. and Public Citizen Foundation

Together, two separate corporate entities called Public Citizen, Inc. and Public Citizen Foundation, Inc., form Public Citizen. Both entities are part of the same overall organization, and this Web site refers to the two organizations collectively as Public Citizen.

Although the work of the two components overlaps, some activities are done by one component and not the other. The primary distinction is with respect to lobbying activity. Public Citizen, Inc., an IRS § 501(c)(4) entity, lobbies Congress to advance Public Citizen’s mission of protecting public health and safety, advancing government transparency, and urging corporate accountability. Public Citizen Foundation, however, is an IRS § 501(c)(3) organization. Accordingly, its ability to engage in lobbying is limited by federal law, but it may receive donations that are tax-deductible by the contributor. Public Citizen Inc. does most of the lobbying activity discussed on the Public Citizen Web site. Public Citizen Foundation performs most of the litigation and education activities discussed on the Web site.

You may make a contribution to Public Citizen, Inc., Public Citizen Foundation, or both. Contributions to both organizations are used to support our public interest work. However, each Public Citizen component will use only the funds contributed directly to it to carry out the activities it conducts as part of Public Citizen’s mission. Only gifts to the Foundation are tax-deductible. Individuals who want to join Public Citizen should make a contribution to Public Citizen, Inc., which will not be tax deductible.

To become a member of Public Citizen, click here. To become a member and make an additional tax-deductible donation to Public Citizen Foundation, click here.